This Friday photographer Robert Go will be turning the upstairs room at Fitzroy’s La Niche Cafe into a makeshift photography studio, and you’re invited.

No, Robert’s not taking your picture his iPhone and whacking on an Instagram filter, he’s using the second oldest photographic technique: the wet-pate collodion. The practice was popular during the mid 1800s, so it’s about due for a comeback.

Robert is one of the few Australian photographers practicing this technique, and he’s setting up a portable darkroom where he’ll be creating his one-off photographs on metal or glass. The process takes about 10 – 15 minutes and creates a true one-off portrait that’ll make you look like you stepped off the Deadwood set. If you want to know more about the technical aspects click here.

So if you want to know how photos used to be made with large format cameras and funny smelling chemicals, book in a spot and come along this to La Niche this Friday. While you’re there remember to treat yourself to a glass of red and some aperitifs. (If you can’t make it this Friday, Robert is also accepting commissions via his website.)